Krista Haskins and Cachet Kranz attended WSPTA's Legislative Assembly in October 2018. As voting delegates the two were able to vote on new principles, resolutions and issues. The highlights were being surrounded by passionate advocates from all over our state and the magnitude of PTA's knowledge and impact in the area of advocacy.

Focus Day is Feb 11th and Advocacy Week is Feb 11th to 15th. Washington lawmakers make important decisions that affect the health, welfare, safety, and educational opportunities for every child across the state. Join other Washington State PTA members and leaders to advocate for all students. Focus Day and Advocacy Week will be all about connecting with legislators to advocate on WSPTA priorities.

WA state legislature heard from WA State PTA President Michelle Nims on several important bills affecting state testing and graduation requirements. Read more about it HERE.

On Feb. 23, 2018 the local election was certified! It was a very close election but both Prop. 1 and 2 passed voter approval to continue levying property taxes to serve our communities students, staff & programs! For more information about the levies see KSD's levy site or Citizens For Kent Schools.

Breakfast After The Bell Passes State Senate

From Rep. Zack Hudgins, Legislative District 11

On Wednesday, [Jan. 31, 2018] the Washington Kids Ready to Learn Act passed the Senate on a 43-5 vote. This is a big day, not because this is the fifth year in a row I’ve worked on this bill – but because of the enormous potential impact its passage will have for Washington students.

The Kids Ready to Learn Act will direct high-needs schools to offer breakfast to students during the school day. We have Breakfast After the Bell programs working well in school districts all over the state – from Tukwila to East Wenatchee to Auburn. We know that students have better educational outcomes and fewer behavioral problems when they aren’t hungry. This bill is about maximizing our large investment in education using federally funded school meal programs that already exist.

But most importantly, it means that up to one million kids in our state will get to have breakfast in the morning every single day. I’m so proud to have been a part of it.

Editor's Note: Breakfast After the Bell was one of WA State PTA's top 5 priorities for 2017.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on December 10, 2015. It is the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). ESSA will be fully operational in school year 2017-18.

The ESSA Consolidated Plan draft is the planning document that outlines how Washington will implement the law. The plan outlines six core concepts in Washington’s plan to help every student succeed, and provides details on what we will do to ensure student and educator success.